By FRANK CAMPA
Mo. Dept. of Conservation
Most of us lately have been busy dealing with the effects of the flooding in Southeast Missouri, either directly or indirectly in some way. Hopefully, things are beginning to turn around in most areas as people look toward a brighter future and rebuild their lives.
Water levels still remain high in major river systems, but do not think there are not any recreational opportunities out there because of the remaining high water; I am speaking specifically about fishing.
Everyone needs to take advantage of the current mild temperatures and get out for a little outdoor recreation before it gets too hot. Water temperature for fish is near ideal right now with several species currently spawning, such as bass, catfish and bluegill. And, even the crappie fishing can still be pretty good.
Where do you go fishing? Right now, you can go just about anywhere. I have seen successful fishermen in several different places, such as ponds, creeks, ditches, drains and yes, even flood waters.
All fish like to feed and spawn in flood waters because it exposes much more food for them to eat, such as bugs and worms and there is much more brush and cover available at that time for them to spawn. So, high water, such as we have right now, creates a great opportunity for limb lining and running trotlines up in the brush.
First off, make sure you have a valid fishing permit. That means residents buy resident permits, and nonresidents buy nonresident permits for this current fishing year. How do you know if you're a Missouri resident? A Missouri resident is a person who does not claim resident privileges in another state or country and whose actual residence and legal domicile have both been in the state of Missouri for at least 30 days last passed before the purchase of such permit. There are exemptions that allow residents of Missouri employed by the United States in the District of Columbia or serving in the armed forces of the United States and their immediate families residing with them to receive resident permit privileges. All members of the armed forces stationed and residing in Missouri on permanent change of station status, and their immediate families residing with them, may also receive resident permit privileges.
There are some additional exemptions along with other fishing regulations in detail listed in the orange 2017 Wildlife Code book, which can be found online at mdc.mo.gov or hard copies at your local permit dealer. Easy to read Missouri Fishing Regulation Pamphlets are also available.